Gastrointestinal malignancies are a major global health concern, affecting numerous sections of the digestive system. Understanding how to avoid stomach cancer and implementing good prevention techniques can significantly reduce the likelihood of having this illness. Let's look at some practical advice and insights to aid you on your way to a healthier digestive system.
What is Gastrointestinal Cancer?
Cancers of the esophagus (food pipe), stomach, colon, rectum (large intestine), gallbladder, bile duct, pancreas, liver, neuroendocrine tumours, and gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are all examples of gastrointestinal cancer. Gastrointestinal malignancies are the most frequent cancers worldwide. Overall, they account for more malignancies and cancer-related deaths than any other system in the body. For example, one of the GI malignancies, colon cancer, affects one out of every twenty people. GI malignancies have a dismal prognosis if not detected early and treated properly.
Nature has wrapped our delicate and crucial gastrointestinal organs in a protective case consisting of the abdomen and chest. It protects these organs from harm while delaying the onset of any diseases affecting them. Symptoms are our body's method of telling us something is wrong. Each GI malignancy has specific indications and symptoms. Unfortunately, these symptoms frequently appear after it is already too late. Many of these symptoms are also present in mild to moderate common disorders that we all suffer from on occasion. The likelihood of mild symptoms connected to the condition is significantly elevated. It is unlikely that cancer is the cause of your symptoms. Because of this, we almost always find these tumours when they are well advanced.
The treatment prognosis for many malignancies is determined by the stage at which they are detected. They tend to spread throughout the body. If detected before they spread to distant organs, we can cure them with surgery and multimodal treatment. However, if identified at an advanced stage, the outcome is likely to be negative. Because detecting them early on is difficult, we should do everything we can to limit our risk of contracting them.
Types of Gastrointestinal Cancers:
GI cancers include malignancies in the digestive system itself; this includes the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, intestines, and rectum. Clearly, they differ quite a bit from one another in terms of origins, symptoms, and treatments. Here's a closer look at the main types of GI cancers.
- Esophageal cancer: Esophageal cancer is a rare cancer that affects the muscular tube that transfers food from the throat to the stomach. It has been linked to chronic inflammation produced by variables like tobacco use and alcohol consumption.
- Stomach cancer: Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is the development of cells that begins in the stomach. It is associated with Helicobacter pylori infection, smoking, and a heavy diet of salty and smoked foods.
- Liver Cancer: Liver cancer is a condition characterised by the formation of malignant (cancer) cells in liver tissues. It is usually associated with cirrhosis, persistent hepatitis B or C infection, and high alcohol intake.
- Pancreatic cancer: Pancreatic cancer develops in the pancreas and is usually diagnosed in an advanced stage. It is associated with smoking, obesity, and particular genetic disorders.
- Colorectal or rectal cancer: Colorectal or rectal cancer is a cancer that begins in the colon or rectum. A low-fiber diet, age, family history, and some genetic disorders, such as Lynch syndrome, are also risk factors.
8 Tips to Prevent GI
Lifestyle modifications and healthy practices can perhaps prevent GI cancers from occurring. While the prevention of all GI cancers may not be possible, there are certain practices that can reduce the risk of developing the disease. Here are eight ways to help prevent gastrointestinal cancers:
1. Maintain a healthy diet: A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can greatly reduce your risk of developing stomach cancer. These meals are high in fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants, which assist in protecting cells from damage. Avoid processed and red meats, which have been linked to a higher risk of cancer. For tailored dietary advice and support, reach out to Marengo Asia Hospitals to explore personalised nutrition plans that can enhance your health and well-being.
2. Avoid smoking and drinking: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are major risk factors for a variety of gastrointestinal cancers, including esophageal, stomach, and liver cancer. Quitting smoking and restricting alcohol intake can dramatically reduce your risk and are regarded as the best measures to avoid stomach cancer.
3. Good sleep is important: Quality sleep is essential for overall health and may help prevent cancer. Insufficient sleep can disrupt the body's normal healing process, raising the risk of cancer.
4. Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity lowers the risk of gastrointestinal cancer and helps you maintain a healthy weight. To enhance your immune system and improve digestion, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.
5. Maintain your weight: Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of gastrointestinal malignancies such as colorectal and pancreatic cancer. This risk can be minimised by eating well and exercising regularly.
6. Get proper vaccination: Vaccines can help prevent cancer-causing illnesses. Both the HPV vaccine and the hepatitis B vaccine can reduce the risk of anal and other cancers. They may also lessen the risk of liver cancer.
7. Go through an annual screening test: Regular screenings can identify GI cancers early on when they are more treatable. For example, precancerous polyps can be found and removed via a colonoscopy before they develop into cancer. Accurate diagnosis is essential to prevent stomach cancer.
8. Understanding family history of stomach cancer: A family history of stomach or other gastrointestinal malignancies may raise your risk. If your doctor is aware of your family's medical history, he or she can recommend appropriate screening and preventive measures based on your risk factors. Being aware of the early indications of stomach cancer is very critical for timely intervention.
Conclusion
Preventing gastrointestinal cancer requires a combination of healthy lifestyle choices, regular screenings, and knowledge of your genetic predispositions. You can reduce your risk and promote better digestive health by following these nine recommendations: eating a balanced diet, quitting smoking and binge drinking, exercising regularly, controlling your weight, managing your weight, getting vaccinated, having yearly screenings, considering alternative medications, and being aware of your family history. Stay aware, and healthy, and make proactive efforts to prevent stomach cancer.
